Stark County history documentary to debut for America 250

The Independence Day holiday carries special meaning this year as people across the United States prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.

One of the organizations supporting communities in the celebration is America250.org, which encourages Americans to pause and reflect on the nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans and look ahead to the future.

In Stark County, local historical groups and other organizations are planning special events. Among them is the Stark County Local History Group, which includes 25-30 members from around the county and is led by Leslie Heaphy, a professor of history at Kent State Stark.

Heaphy said the group decided about a year ago to create a documentary about Stark County history as part of the 250th celebration. The group received a $50,000 grant from Visit Canton to help develop, write and edit the documentary and to create a website highlighting the film. The group also launched a PastPort program in which residents can collect stamps from historical sites around the county. After earning 10 stamps, participants can take their PastPort to Visit Canton to receive a free baseball cap.

Stark County was formed in 1808. While the county is 218 years old, the group saw the documentary as a meaningful way to celebrate local history alongside the nation’s founding.

“We originally decided on doing a half-hour documentary talking about different locations, people or objects related to the county’s history,” Heaphy said. “We then decided to ask Red Point Digital LLC from Akron to one of our meetings to provide us with some direction and tips. The film company suggested that instead of doing one long documentary, we do a series of documentary shorts of 4-13 minutes each.”

Red Point has assisted with writing and filming the segments. Brittany Dobish of the Canal Fulton Heritage Society serves as narrator.

The film, which has not yet been formally named, will debut March 25 at the Lions Lincoln Theatre in Massillon. The event, scheduled from 6:30-9 p.m., will include a highlight reel and a history panel. Dr. Thomas Sosnowski, emeritus professor at Kent State University, is scheduled as keynote speaker. Local organizations also will share information about other anniversary events.

The documentary includes shorts highlighting historical places, people, artifacts and buildings, such as the Magnolia Flouring Mills and the Ohio & Erie Canal. It also explores the site of the former Stark Library in downtown Canton, once the home of President William McKinley, where he conducted his 1896 “front porch campaign.”

“So many people have wanted to help out and get involved with this project,” Heaphy said. “Our goal is to keep working on the documentary and keep adding more places, people and information about the county’s history.”

More information is available on the group’s Facebook page.